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The house we're particularly interested in apparently had foundation problems about 10 years ago. As a result, they did extensive foundation repairs and releveling using 7-21ft deep piers installed with new continuous concrete grade beams. I know you all aren't necessarily engineers, but does that sound like it's in relatively good shape at this point?

If we do bid on the house, we'll have to have it checked if it has been seismic retrofitted. The listing agent said it was, but I don't entirely trust that without seeing paperwork.

Yeah, you live in Earthquake country. If you own a home on a hill, a large part of your cost and maintenance will be upkeep and implementation of seismic retrofitting (if you don't want your house to do the cardboard slide down a grassy hill).

That was the only fire that the East Bay has seen in about a century, and it was determined that it was started by kids goofing around. Fires aren't a danger.

Did they eliminate kids or goofing around? The reason the fire was such a disaster is because of where it occurred not that it happened. The next time some kids goof around, the result will be the same. The fire suppression measures aren't any better now than they were then. The problem is the area, not the abilities of the fire departments to respond.

That it is a nice area isn't really a question, it is. Drive around and you'll see that very little has changed to reduce the chances of another firestorm like event. So long as you consider that, good to go.

Honestly I think I've seen more stories about houses falling into the ocean than sliding down a hill. I'd still prefer to live on flat though. We live at the bottom of a hill and got flooded during El Niño, but no slides.

really?!?
the most expensive purchase in your life and you are asking the yahoos on city data? really?!

HIRE A SEISMIC ENGINEER

Wow... wasn't expecting that. I mentioned that we would get an inspector and that I wasn't just taking the word of the listing agent. There would be an addendum to back out of the purchase if it is not structurally sound, I was simply asking those that have opinions or experience in the situation to share some light on what they do/would do. I just didn't want to put myself in a situation of hiring and inspector and engineer only to find out what others already know. I get that you're just trying to help, so it's ok.

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